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Britain's digital and technology firms must be wary of the ethical, legal and commercial risks of expanding into China and accepting Chinese investment, according to a UK government website.
Under a new law put forward separately on Tuesday, telecoms companies could be fined up to 10% of turnover or 100,000 pounds ($133,140) a day if they contravene a ban on using equipment made by Chinese technology firm Huawei.
Britain also published this month a bill giving ministers far-reaching powers to intervene in corporate deals which could threaten national security, the culmination of years of growing concern about Chinese and others investment in key industries.
Using the slogan: “China. See the Potential. Know the Challenge,” the government website is designed as a guide for digital and tech firms, encouraging good practice and raising awareness of potential issues.
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“The UK is determined to support our businesses to engage with China in a way that reflects the UKs values and takes account of national security concerns,” digital minister Caroline Dinenage said in a Nov. 6 statement.
Alongside case studies, guides on how to conduct due diligence and links to specialist consultancies, the site contains some warnings.
“There is a risk that your companys technology could be used to violate human rights,” said a section on ethical risks, highlighting concerns about facial recognition software censorship, and mass surveillance among other concerns.
Another section warns: “Taking legal steps to protect your IP (Intellectual Property) in China is important, but you should also consider your cybersecurity.”
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Earlier this year, ministers blocked Chinese firm Huawei Technologies Co Ltd from parts of the UK's telecoms network over concerns about spying. Huawei has said the concerns are groundless.